Meals

23 breakfasts, 18 lunches & 18 dinners

Accommodation

18 nights camping in 2-person dome tents, 3 nights simple twin share accommodation in Zanzibar and 2 nights permanent tented camp in the Masai Mara (please refer to the trip notes for details)

Transport

Transportation in a 24-seater overland truck with camping and cooking equipment

Others

Escorted by a licensed 2-person crew Zanzibar return ferry ticket Mosi Oa Tunya National Park, Victoria Falls visit Sleeping mattress (you will need to bring your own sleeping bag) All road tolls and vehicle taxes

Guide

Masai Mara excursion in a purpose built safari vehicle and game drives with a resident guide Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater Excursion in a purpose built safari vehicle and game drives with a resident guide Maasai Village Walk with a resident guide

Not included:

Others

International flights and visas Sleeping bag - please bring your own Tipping - an entirely personal gesture Optional activities (prices listed in Trip Notes) Airport transfers - can be booked on request Local Payment - A higher local payment is required for bookings made prior to 15 Dec 2023: USD $1495 pp (Jan - May) / USD $1770 pp (Jun - Dec). See trip notes for details.

Flights

International flights are not included

Insurance

Insurance is not included

Optional

Other activities and services not included

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Day 1 Day 1: Welcome To East Africa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Welcome To East Africa

Nairobi - Masai Mara. We leave Nairobi early this morning and make our way to the famous Masai Mara National Reserve. The Mara is adjacent to the Serengeti, forming one of the world’s last surviving great wildernesses. We will be travelling in specialised safari vehicles for this part of the tour for a more intimate wildlife-viewing experience, and will join up with our main vehicle later. In the Masai Mara, we will be staying in twin-share pre-erected tents with ensuite facilities. During our time in the Mara, we enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in search of the huge herds of wildebeest, zebra, and antelope which inhabit the plains and the predators that hunt them. Also keep your eyes peeled for other iconic species like rhino, elephant and giraffe. We camp on the edge of the reserve, close to the action! Please note: The pre-departure meeting is held at 18:00 on the evening prior to departure. The tour departs at 08:00 on Day 1 so please arrive in Nairobi the day before your tour. Refer to the Joining Instructions in the Trip Notes for more information. We can book accommodation and transfers on request.
Day 2 Day 2: Masai Mara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Masai Mara

Today we continue exploring the Masai Mara with morning and afternoon game drives to different areas of the park. As well as the iconic Big Five, we will hopefully spot some of the less glamorous species, but creatures that are important to the ecosystem. Hyenas and vultures scavenge the remains of prey, warthogs scurry through the undergrowth and endangered African wild dogs hunt intelligently in packs. We break in the middle of the day for lunch before game driving back to our camp for the evening.
Day 3 Day 3: Return To Nairobi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Return To Nairobi

Masai Mara - Nairobi. Leaving the Mara, we travel back through the Great Rift Valley to Nairobi, where we spend the night at a campsite on the edge of the city.
Day 4 Day 4: Crossing Into Tanzania
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Crossing Into Tanzania

Nairobi - Arusha (Tanzania). We leave Kenya, crossing into neighbouring Tanzania at the Namanga frontier. We then drive to the country’s safari capital, Arusha, arriving late afternoon. Situated in the shadow of Mount Meru and close to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, it is a great base for exploring the region. If time allows, we stop to browse the local markets and join a walk around a traditional Masai village before heading to our camp at the Meserani Snake Park.
Day 5 Day 5: The Mighty Serengeti
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: The Mighty Serengeti

Arusha - Serengeti National Park. We leave our overland truck behind and transfer to designated safari vehicles this morning. Crossing the Great Rift Valley, we enter the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. We then drive around the rim of this spectacular UNESCO-listed crater and onto the wildlife-rich plains of the Serengeti. Serengeti derives from the Maasai word siringitu, which means "the place where the land moves on forever" and the scale of this wilderness is sure to impress as much as the wildlife you will inevitably see. The Serengeti and neighbouring Masai Mara in Kenya play host to the annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebra and antelope. These prey animals follow the rains and the freshest grass, stalked every step of the way by the lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas which feed on them. You are sure to have some amazing wildlife experiences today as we enjoy a game drive en route to our camp. We spend tonight at an unfenced campsite, where we can listen to the sounds of the bush and hopefully see some wildlife from our camp!
Day 6 Day 6-7: Ngorongoro Crater
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6-7: Ngorongoro Crater

Serengeti National Park - Ngorongoro Crater - Arusha. Game driving out of the Serengeti on day 6, we can search for any species we have not managed to spot so far. We travel back to the Ngorongoro Crater, camping on the rim of this UNESCO-listed natural caldera, one of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife areas. On day 7 we get our chance to head into the crater itself, following the steep, winding road into the reserve. On our game drive, you will have the chance to spot every major African animal, except for giraffes who can’t manage the steep climb down the crater rim! Returning to camp for lunch, we pack up before making the journey back to Arusha and our overland safari vehicle.
Day 7 Day 8: To The Coast!
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: To The Coast!

Arusha - Bagamoyo. We begin our journey to Zanzibar today, heading towards the Indian Ocean coast. It’s a long but scenic drive, and we pass Mount Kilimanjaro en route. If the weather is clear we should be able to enjoy magnificent views of the iconic snow-capped peak. Our stop for tonight is the port town of Bagamoyo. It was founded towards the end of the 18th century and was an important trading port along the East African coast. Today it is a centre for dhow building, with many of the boats being sent to Zanzibar and nearby areas. We camp on the outskirts of the town, near the palm-fringed beaches of the Indian Ocean.
Day 8 Day 9: Dar Es Salaam
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Dar Es Salaam

Bagamoyo - Dar es Salaam. Saying farewell to Bagamoyo we make the 2 - 3 hour drive along the coast to Dar es Salaam. This vibrant city is Tanzania’s main port and a kaleidoscope of culture. Impressive Arab architecture and colourful markets give way to blissful beaches and turquoise ocean. We’ll be camping on the beach tonight before our excursion to Zanzibar, and you’ll have time to go for a swim or head into the city and explore.
Day 9 Day 10-12: Paradise Island Of Zanzibar
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10-12: Paradise Island Of Zanzibar

Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar. On the morning of day 10, we take the ferry to Zanzibar, leaving our overland truck on the mainland. Evocative and exotic, Zanzibar conjures up images of idyllic, sandy, palm-fringed beaches, romantic winding cobbled alleys, and lush tropical forests. Our time on Zanzibar is not too structured. There is plenty of free time to explore the old part of Zanzibar City - Stone Town. You’ll also want to visit a spice plantation, spend some time on the tropical beaches and enjoy snorkelling at the coast, home to a wealth of marine life. Other optional excursions you can book include massages and yacht trips. Please see the Trip Notes for more details. In Zanzibar, we will not be camping, but staying in standard hotels, with breakfast included. We typically spend day 10 in Stone Town and days 11 and 12 at one of the northern beaches, but this can be flexible.
Day 10 Day 13: Return To Dar
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 13: Return To Dar

Zanzibar - Dar es Salaam. Wake early for a final swim before breakfast, as we catch the ferry back to the mainland. The rest of today is free to further explore Dar es Salaam and we go back to camping by the coast tonight.
Day 11 Day 14: Mikumi National Park
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 14: Mikumi National Park

Dar es Salaam - Mikumi National Park. Making our way southwest, we head back inland and towards the border with Malawi. We’ll be driving through Mikumi National Park for a large chunk of the day, and will hopefully see some of the wildlife that lives in Tanzania’s fifth-largest game reserve. Our campsite for the night is right on the edge of the park and, if time permits, there’s an optional game drive to search for elephants, giraffes and other species that call Mikumi home. Later we relax with sun downers at the local bar, and enjoy an evening around the campfire.
Day 12 Day 15: Iringa
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 15: Iringa

Mikumi National Park - Iringa. Continuing our journey south, we pass through Baobab Valley, home to many of these ancient, swollen baobab trees. Reaching the town of Iringa, we end our journey at the Kisolanza Farm. This family-run business supplies Dar es Salaam with organic meat and vegetables and is a well-known camping spot, located in the scenic Southern Highlands of Tanzania.
Day 13 Day 16-17: Lake Malawi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 16-17: Lake Malawi

Iringa - Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi (Malawi). We wave farewell to Tanzania on day 16, crossing into neighbouring Malawi. We head straight to shimmering Lake Malawi, which covers around a fifth of the country and is the main source of income for a huge swathe of the country’s population. Fishermen paddle their traditional Bwato canoes on the lake, which has a huge number of fish species found nowhere else in the world, making it a popular spot for scuba divers. Arriving at our campsite by Chitimba Beach, the rest of today and tomorrow are at leisure. Relax by the beach, play volleyball or browse the local craft markets. On day 17 there is an optional hike to Manchewe Falls. This 11km hike requires decent fitness, but the rewards are spectacular views of the waterfall and a dip in a natural bath. David Livingstone lived and worked in this area during his time in Malawi.
Day 14 Day 18-19: Free Time At Lake Malawi
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 18-19: Free Time At Lake Malawi

Chitimba Beach, Lake Malawi - Mzuzu - Kande Beach, Lake Malawi. Day 18 sees us driving through rubber plantations to the small town of Mzuzu, where we visit the local market and resupply the truck. Then it’s onwards to Kande beach, another part of Lake Malawi around 240km down the shoreline. The rest of today and day 19 are free to relax or join some of the optional activities on offer. You can go diving, canoeing, or snorkelling in the lake, or opt for a horse ride along the beach. You can also join a guided walk to a nearby village to meet the Malawian locals.
Day 15 Day 20: Crossing Into Zambia
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 20: Crossing Into Zambia

Kande Beach, Lake Malawi - Chipata (Zambia). Travelling via the Malawian capital of Lilongwe, we make the border crossing into Zambia. We arrive at the town of Chipata, formerly known as Fort Jamerson. We should have time to wander around the town, home to a large Indian community and a number of ornate mosques. Then we continue to our campsite a little way out of town.
Day 16 Day 21: Lively Lusaka
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 21: Lively Lusaka

Chipata - Lusaka. Today we have a long drive through the picturesque scenery of Zambia. We’ll travel along the Great Eastern Road and cross the Luangwa River before reaching the capital, Lusaka. This is southern Africa’s fastest-growing city, but we’ll enjoy a slice of tranquillity at our campsite on a rural farm.
Day 17 Day 22-23: Thundering Victoria Falls
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 22-23: Thundering Victoria Falls

Lusaka - Livingstone. On day 22 we drive to Livingstone, our final destination, and home to Victoria Falls. There is an included visit to see the Zambian side of this famous cascade before day 20 is completely free so that you can relax at our campsite and enjoy some of the numerous optional activities available. Activities range from a further visit to see the cascades (prepare to get wet!), canoeing and rafting on the Zambezi River, bungee jumping and fishing to a scenic flight over the falls, or an abseiling experience - the choice is yours!
Day 18 Day 24: Livingstone
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 24: Livingstone

Today our tour comes to an end after a final breakfast in the hotel. If you’d like to stay a while longer in Livingstone then speak to our team about booking post-tour accommodation.

+15

24 days tour

East Africa Explorer - 24 Days

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip East Africa Explorer - 24 Days

Day 1: Welcome To East Africa

Day 2: Masai Mara

Day 3: Return To Nairobi

Day 4: Crossing Into Tanzania

Day 5: The Mighty Serengeti

Day 6-7: Ngorongoro Crater

Day 8: To The Coast!

Day 9: Dar Es Salaam

Day 10-12: Paradise Island Of Zanzibar

Day 13: Return To Dar

Day 14: Mikumi National Park

Day 15: Iringa

Day 16-17: Lake Malawi

Day 18-19: Free Time At Lake Malawi

Day 20: Crossing Into Zambia

Day 21: Lively Lusaka

Day 22-23: Thundering Victoria Falls

Day 24: Livingstone

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